Zak Johnson Explained

Zak Johnson
Fullname:Zak Johnson
Birth Date:30 July 2004
Birth Place:Sunderland, England
Position:Defender
Currentclub:Sunderland
Clubnumber:26
Youthyears1:2020–2022
Youthclubs1:Sunderland
Years1:2021–
Caps1:0
Goals1:0
Years2:2023–2024
Clubs2:Hartlepool United (loan)
Caps2:11
Goals2:0
Years3:2023–2024
Clubs3:Dundalk (loan)
Caps3:18
Goals3:0
Nationalyears1:2023–
Nationalteam1:England U18
Nationalcaps1:2
Nationalgoals1:0
Club-Update:18:38, 24 June 2024 (UTC)
Nationalteam-Update:09:00, 23 September 2023 (UTC)

Zak Johnson (born 30 July 2004) is a professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for EFL Championship side Sunderland.

Playing career

Johnson began his playing career at his hometown club Sunderland and made his first appearance in the EFL Trophy on 13 October 2021 coming on as a substitute in a 2–1 victory against Manchester United U21s. At 16 years and 141 days old, this appearance made Zak the youngest outfield player to play for Sunderland in almost 50 years.[1]

On 1 July 2022, it was announced Johnson had signed his first professional contract with Sunderland on a deal lasting until 2025.[2]

On 8 August 2023, Johnson made his first start for Sunderland in an EFL Cup defeat against Crewe Alexandra. A month later, he signed a new deal until 2026.[3]

Johnson moved to National League side Hartlepool United in September 2023 on a one-month loan deal.[4] On 26 October, this loan deal was extended until January 2024.[5] On 5 January 2024, it was announced that Johnson's loan spell with Hartlepool had ended.[6]

On 14 February 2024, Johnson signed for League of Ireland Premier Division club Dundalk on loan.[7] Johnson won the Supporters' Club Player of the Month for March 2024. He returned to Sunderland in June 2024. Johnson said of his loan spell: "I have loved every minute of my time here. The lessons in maturity and self-development have been so valuable, they will stay with me for the rest of my life."[8]

International career

In June 2023, Johnson received a call-up to the England U18s squad for an upcoming trip to Portugal.[9]

Career statistics

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
ClubSeasonLeagueFA CupLeague CupOtherTotal
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Sunderland2021–22League One0000001010
2022–23Championship0000000000
2023–24Championship0000100010
2024–25Championship0000100010
Total0000201030
Hartlepool United (loan)2023–24[10] National League110100000120
Dundalk (loan)2024[11] LOI Premier Division0000000000
Career total110102010150

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Sunderland youngster who broke 50-year-old outfield record out for more honours . Chronicle Live . 10 November 2022 . 23 September 2023.
  2. Web site: Trio sign first professional contracts . Sunderland AFC . 1 July 2022 . 23 September 2023.
  3. Web site: Zak Johnson 'delighted' to sign new Sunderland deal . Chronicle Live . 5 September 2023 . 23 September 2023.
  4. Web site: Zak Johnson signs for Pools . Hartlepool United . 22 September 2023 . 23 September 2023.
  5. News: Zak Johnson loan extended . Hartlepool United . 26 October 2023 . 26 October 2023.
  6. News: Loan player movements . Hartlepool United FC . 5 January 2024 . 5 January 2024.
  7. https://www.dundalkfc.com/loan-signing-zak-johnson/
  8. Web site: Loan watch: Zak Johnson's success story at Dundalk . Sunderland AFC . 24 June 2024 . 24 June 2024.
  9. Web site: Zak Johnson receives England call-up . Sunderland AFC . 5 June 2023 . 23 September 2023.
  10. Web site: Z.Johnson summary . Soccerway . Perform Group . 26 October 2023.
  11. Web site: Z.Johnson summary . Soccerway . Perform Group . 26 October 2023.